A changing of seasons. Cool, crisp air. The promise of clear blue skies and unseasonably warm temps. Golden larches screaming to be photographed and new trails begging to be explored. It didn’t take a lot of convincing on a recent weekend to high tail it up to one of my favorite parts of Washington along the North Cascades Highway. Blue Lake was the ultimate destination for a lazy stroll outside and didn’t disappoint for a moment. From fellow hikers setting the trail vibe at the start to fall colors popping around every corner and lake reflections providing the perfect backdrop for seasonal nostalgia, Blue Lake delivered across the board. Chalk up another North Cascades Highway gem.